Whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in Estonia

KoroGeno-EST-3 consortium's aim is to sequence SARS-CoV-2 from SARS-CoV-2 positive persons in Estonia during May to September 2021. The goal of this consortium is to generate genetical information (sequences) of SARS-CoV-2 which in combination with epidemiological and clinical data has the potential to inform interventions and policy decisions during the current COVID-19 epidemic in Estonia. The sequencing capacity will enable to monitor SARS-CoV-2 genetics in Estonia: (i) to determine variants of concern and variants of interest, their prevalence and the evolution of the virus; (ii) to determine the transmission networks; and (iii) to evaluate relationships between SARS-CoV-2 genetics and patients' clinical outcomes. In the future, this data could be linked with individuals' clinical data, COVID-19 outcomes, human genomics and metagenomics data, giving an opportunity to generate detailed insight into the COVID-19 disease.